CN113015949A

CN113015949A - Electronic device including automatically opening or closing sliding door

Info

Publication number: CN113015949A
Application number: CN201980075045.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 赵铉济; 朴且勋; 郑嘉英; 曺永宅
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-11-15
Filing date: 2019-11-07
Publication date: 2021-06-22
Also published as: EP3853689A1; KR102624550B1; EP3853689A4; US11610027B2; WO2020101261A1; US20200159971A1; KR20200056720A

Abstract

An electronic device and method are disclosed. The electronic device includes: a housing defining an opening; driving an actuator; a sliding door movable to selectively cover and expose the opening; a link connecting the sliding door and the driving actuator, the link being linearly movable to move the sliding door according to a driving operation of the driving actuator; a forced opening stopper movable to restrict opening of the sliding door when the opening is closed, and to release the stopper of the opening of the sliding door based on linear movement of the link; and a processor. The processor implements a method, the method comprising: receiving an external input signal and identifying whether to expose or cover the opening based on the external input signal, and operating the driving actuator to expose or cover the opening according to a result of the identification.

Description

Electronic device including automatically opening or closing sliding door

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device including a sliding door that automatically opens or closes.

Background

With the development of digital technology, various electronic devices such as a mobile communication terminal, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (tablet PC), a notebook, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a wearable device, or a digital camera have been developed and are now widely used.

These electronic devices allow insertable/removable components such as external memory cards, Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards and digital pens.

In particular, recent trends have sought to increase content storage capacity in electronic devices and higher operating speeds. Accordingly, external memory cards with improved capacity and read/write speed have been developed. As a result, users now make more common use of external memory cards, such as Solid State Disks (SSDs), which in turn increases the need for data security for accessing information stored in the external memory cards.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

An insertable/removable component (e.g., or a component tray containing components) can be inserted into a designated port (i.e., or opening) of an electronic device. In addition, the component may be removed by a physical removal function (such as pressing an eject button of the component, or using a small, thin tool to access the eject function through a hole in or near the component tray).

However, these physical removal methods allow removal by merely applying a physical force, without requiring any kind of user authentication. Therefore, these components are easily taken away by non-safety personnel, and thus the security of data may be compromised.

Technical scheme

The present disclosure is directed to providing an electronic device capable of opening or closing an opening thereof (into which a component is inserted) through a sliding door that is automatically opened and closed under a predetermined condition.

According to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: driving an actuator; a sliding door movable to selectively cover and expose the opening; a link connecting the sliding door and the driving actuator, the link being linearly movable to move the sliding door according to a driving operation of the driving actuator; a forced opening stopper movable to restrict opening of the sliding door when the opening is closed, and to release the stopper of the opening of the sliding door based on linear movement of the link; and a processor configured to: receiving an external input signal and identifying whether to expose or cover the opening based on the external input signal, and operating the driving actuator to expose or cover the opening according to a result of the identification.

According to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, a method in an electronic device includes: receiving an external input signal by an input unit and/or a communication unit; determining, by a processor, whether to expose or cover an opening defined in a housing of the electronic device based on the external input signal; and operating a driving actuator to generate a linear movement of a link in a first direction when the external input signal satisfies a condition for exposing the opening, wherein the linear movement of the link in the first direction causes a forcible opening stopper to release a restriction on exposing the opening, and wherein a sliding door connected to the link moves to expose the opening according to the linear movement of the link in the first direction.

Advantageous effects

According to a specific embodiment, the electronic device may open or close the sliding door to open or close the opening when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, based on the linear movement of the link according to the driving operation of the driving actuator, the electronic device can easily and automatically open the opening without any additional operation by releasing the forcible opening blocking of the forcible opening blocking member and moving the sliding door. In addition, the electronic device may close the opening by moving the sliding door based on the linear movement of the link according to the driving operation of the driving actuator, and also enable the forced opening blocking member to effectively block the forced opening of the sliding door. This is advantageous for enhancing the security of the assembly insertable into the opening.

Drawings

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of particular embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device in a network environment, in accordance with certain embodiments.

Fig. 1B is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an example electronic device, according to certain embodiments.

Fig. 2A to 2D are diagrams illustrating an example operation of moving a sliding door to open an opening of an electronic device according to a certain embodiment.

Fig. 3A is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example structure of a forced-open stopper pushed according to movement of a link in an electronic device according to a specific embodiment.

Fig. 3B is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an opening of a sliding door is blocked by a forced-opening blocking member in an electronic device according to a specific embodiment.

Fig. 3C is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an example restricting operation of forcibly opening the blocking member is released in the electronic apparatus according to the specific embodiment.

Fig. 4A is an exploded perspective view illustrating an arrangement of an example sliding door and a guide rail for guiding movement of the sliding door according to certain embodiments.

Fig. 4B is a plan view illustrating an example structure of a guide rail according to certain embodiments.

Fig. 4C is a diagram illustrating an example combination structure of a sliding door, a guide rail, a forced opening block, and a link according to certain embodiments.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components and structures.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates an electronic device in a network environment, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to fig. 1A, an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 may communicate with an electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with an electronic device 104 or a server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). The electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. Electronic device 101 includes processor 120, memory 130, input device 150, sound output device 155, display device 160, audio module 170, sensor module 176, interface 177, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)196, or antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., display device 160 or camera module 180) may be omitted from electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module 176 (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented to be embedded in the display device 160 (e.g., a display).

The processor 120 may run, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware component or a software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. As at least part of the data processing or computation, processor 120 may load commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) into volatile memory 132, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 132, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 134. The processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or an Application Processor (AP)) and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Image Signal Processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a Communication Processor (CP)) that is operatively independent of or in conjunction with the main processor 121. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or be adapted specifically for a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 or as part of the main processor 121.

The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display device 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) when the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display device 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) with the main processor 121 when the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., running an application). The auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., ISP or CP) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101, such as the processor 120 or the sensor module 176. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 140) and input data or output data for commands associated therewith. The memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

The program 140 may be stored in the memory 130 as software, and the program 140 may include, for example, an Operating System (OS)142, middleware 144, or an application 146.

The input device 150 may receive commands or data from outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) to be used by other components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120). The input device 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., stylus).

The sound output device 155 may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output device 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing a record and the receiver may be used for incoming calls. The receiver may be implemented separate from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

Display device 160 may visually provide information to the exterior of electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, holographic device, and projector. The display device 160 may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of a force caused by a touch.

The audio module 170 may convert sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. The audio module 170 may obtain sound via the input device 150 or output sound via the sound output device 155 or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) connected or wirelessly connected with the electronic device 101.

The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., state of a user) external to the electronic device 101 and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. Sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an Infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more particular protocols to be used to directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connect the electronic device 101 with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). The interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection end 178 may include a connector via which the electronic device 101 may be physically connected with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). The connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 may convert the electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or motion) or an electrical stimulus that may be recognized by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthesia. The haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. The camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

The power management module 188 may manage power to the electronic device 101. The power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), for example.

The battery 189 may power at least one component of the electronic device 101. The battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108), and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently of the processor 120 (e.g., AP) and supporting direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. The communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) communication module or a Power Line Communication (PLC) module). A respective one of these communication modules may communicate with external electronic devices via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or Wide Area Network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) separate from one another. The wireless communication module 192 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, using subscriber information, such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), stored in the SIM 196.

The antenna module 197 may transmit signals or power to or receive signals or power from outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device). The antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiating element implemented using a conductive material formed in or on a substrate, such as a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, for example, the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192) may select at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, from a plurality of antennas. Signals or power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. Other components besides the radiating elements, such as a Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC), may additionally be formed as part of the antenna module 197.

At least some of the above components may be interconnected and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) communicatively between them via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., bus, General Purpose Input Output (GPIO), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), or Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI)).

Commands or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the electronic device 102 and the electronic device 104 may be the same type of device as the electronic device 101 or a different type of device from the electronic device 101. All or some of the operations to be performed at the electronic device 101 may be performed at one or more of the external electronic device 102, the external electronic device 104, or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should automatically perform a function or service or should perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of or in addition to performing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices that received the request may perform the requested at least part of the functions or services or perform another function or another service related to the request and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial reply to the request with or without further processing of the result. To this end, for example, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, or client-server computing technology may be used.

The electronic device according to the embodiment may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may comprise a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. However, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

Specific embodiments of the present disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalents, or alternatives to the respective embodiments.

For the description of the figures, like reference numerals may be used to refer to like or related elements.

A noun in the singular, corresponding to an item, may include one or more things, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "a or B," "at least one of a and B," "at least one of a or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any or all possible combinations of the items listed together with the respective one of the plurality of phrases.

As used herein, terms such as "1 st" and "2 nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish a respective component from another component simply, and do not limit the components in other respects (e.g., importance or order). Where the terms "operable" or "communicatively" are used or are not used, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "coupled with," "coupled to," "connected with," or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected with, wirelessly connected with, or connected with the other element via a third element.

The term "module" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "portion," or "circuitry"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions or a minimal unit or portion of the single integrated component. For example, according to an embodiment, the modules may be implemented in the form of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).

The various embodiments set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, under control of a processor, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) may invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to be operable to perform at least one function in accordance with the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code capable of being executed by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but the term does not distinguish between data being semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

Methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be used as a product for conducting a transaction between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium, such as a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store, such as a Play store, or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between two user devices, such as smart phones. At least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated if it is published online, or at least part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored in a machine readable storage medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or a forwarding server.

Each of the above-described components (e.g., modules or programs) may comprise a single entity or multiple entities. One or more of the above components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding one of the plurality of components performed the one or more functions prior to integration. Operations performed by a module, a program, or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic manner, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Fig. 1B is a perspective view 103 illustrating an appearance of the electronic device 101 according to a particular embodiment.

According to particular embodiments, electronic device 101 may include a housing 110 and an opening 201 formed inward from one surface of housing 110. The opening 201 allows insertion or removal of the assembly.

According to a specific embodiment, the opening 201 may be opened or closed according to an opening or closing operation of the sliding door 200.

For example, as shown in fig. 1B, the opening 201 may be closed by the sliding door 200. Further, the opening 201 may be opened by laterally moving the sliding door 200, and thus exposed to the outside.

The electronic device 101 according to a particular embodiment may control the sliding door 200 to be automatically opened or closed using a driving actuator provided inside the electronic device 101. Thereby, the opening 201 can be opened or closed.

For example, when a user wants to insert a specific component into the opening 201 or remove a specific component from the opening 201, the electronic device 101 may open the sliding door 200 to open the opening 201 based on a user input.

For example, the electronic device 101 may close the sliding door 200 to close the opening 201 after a user inserts a component into the opening 201 or removes a component from the opening 201. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic device 101 may control the sliding door 200 to be automatically closed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the sliding door 200 was opened or in response to a user input.

According to a particular embodiment, the components that can be inserted into the opening 201 opened and closed by the sliding door 200 may include an external memory card or SIM card that can be recognized by the electronic device 101. According to another example, such components may include a digital pen that supports input functionality for electronic device 101.

According to a particular embodiment, the electronic device 101 may open or close the sliding door 200 based on an external input signal. For example, the electronic device 101 may receive an external input signal through an input module (e.g., the input device 150 in fig. 1A) or a communication module (e.g., the communication module 190 in fig. 1A) of the electronic device 101.

For example, the external input signal may comprise a user input. For example, the electronic device 101 may recognize whether the user input satisfies a predetermined authentication condition, and control the sliding door 200 to be opened or closed based on the recognition result. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may identify whether a received external input signal (e.g., user input) satisfies a predetermined authentication condition. Then, if it is determined that the external input signal satisfies the verification condition (i.e., successful verification), the electronic device 101 may operate the driving actuator to control the sliding door 200 to be opened or closed. The external input signal may include biometric information of the user, such as fingerprint information, iris information, or facial shape information. For example, the electronic device 101 may obtain an external input signal including biometric information by using its camera module.

According to a further embodiment, the external input signal may comprise a power control signal for the electronic device 101. For example, if it is determined to stop power supply to the system of the electronic device 101 based on the power control signal, the electronic device 101 may operate the driving actuator to control the sliding door 200 to be automatically closed.

According to a further embodiment, the external input signal may comprise a physical input signal created by pressing a physical key or a physical button provided in the electronic device 101.

According to a specific embodiment, when controlling the driving actuator to open or close the sliding door 200, the electronic device 101 may display the movement state information of the sliding door 200 on its display.

Fig. 2A to 2D are diagrams illustrating an operation of moving the sliding door 200 to open the opening 201 in the sliding door driving environment 202 of the electronic device 101 according to a specific embodiment.

Referring to fig. 2A to 2D, the electronic device 101 may include an opening 201 formed on one surface of the case 110. As shown in fig. 2A, the opening 201 may be closed from the outside by movement of the sliding door 200, and may be opened by another movement of the sliding door 200 so as to be exposed to the outside of the apparatus, which is at least partially shown in fig. 2D.

According to a particular embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a driving actuator 210 and a link 212 connected to the driving actuator 210, the link 212 being linearly movable according to a driving operation of the driving actuator 210. The link 212 may also be connected to the sliding door 200. For example, the link 212 may move the sliding door 200 connected to the link 212 by linear movement of the link 212. According to an embodiment, the sliding door 200 may be provided to be engaged with a ring portion formed at one end of the link 212 and may move together with the link 212.

For example, when the drive actuator 210 is operated by a processor (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1A) of the electronic device 101, the linkage 212 may move linearly according to the driving operation of the drive actuator 210. The sliding door 200 may also move based on the linear movement of the link 212.

According to particular embodiments, electronic device 101 may also include a forced-open blocker 230. The forced opening block 230 may block (e.g., limit or prevent) the opening of the sliding door 200 when the opening 201 is closed by the sliding door 200. In a specific embodiment, when the link 212 is linearly moved according to the driving operation of the driving actuator 210, the blocking of the opening of the sliding door 200 by the forcible opening blocking member 230 may be released based on the linear movement of the link 212.

According to a particular embodiment, the electronic device 101 may further include a guide rail 250 disposed on and/or under the sliding door 200 to guide movement of the sliding door 200 when the sliding door 200 moves according to movement of the link 212.

Referring to fig. 2A, in the electronic device 101, an opening 201 included in the case 110 may be closed by a sliding door 200.

The electronic device 101 may open or close the sliding door 200 based on an external input signal, and may control the sliding door 200 according to the recognition result. For example, the electronic device 101 may identify, by a processor (e.g., the processor 120 in fig. 1A), whether to open the opening 201 currently closed by the sliding door 200.

For example, when it is determined that the external input signal satisfies the condition for opening the opening 201, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 may cause the driving actuator 210 to operate such that the link 212 moves in a first direction (e.g., a direction in which the link 212 moves away from the opening 201 as shown in fig. 2A).

Referring to fig. 2B, when the link 212 moves in the first direction according to the driving operation of the driving actuator 210, the protrusion 214 formed on one surface of the link 212 may be pushed upward against the forcible opening stopper 230 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction in which the link 212 moves. Accordingly, the forced opening block 230 may be moved from a first position (e.g., the position of the forced opening block 230 shown in fig. 2A and 2D) that blocks the opening of the sliding door 200 to a second position (e.g., the position of the forced opening block 230 shown in fig. 2B and 2C) that allows the blocking of the opening to be released.

For example, when the forced opening block 230 is located at a position blocking the opening of the sliding door 200, the sliding door 200 may be caught by the forced opening block 230 and thus blocked from opening. Further, when the forcible opening stopper 230 is located at a position to release the stopper of the opening, the sliding door 200 can be freely opened or closed without being hindered by the forcible opening stopper 230.

Referring to fig. 2C and 2D, when the driving actuator 210 operates to open the opening 201 and the link 212 moves in the first direction, the sliding door 200 may move together with the link 212 to open the opening 201.

For example, when the sliding door 200 is moved by the movement of the link 212 to open the opening 201, the sliding door 200 may be moved along the guide rail 250 at least partially in an inward direction of the electronic device 101 and at least partially in a first direction (i.e., a moving direction of the link 212).

The forcible opening stopper 230 of the electronic device 101 may include an elastic member that provides an elastic force for the forcible opening stopper 230 to return to an earlier position of re-blocking the opening when the pushing pressure of the protrusion portion 214 of the link 212 is released. As shown in fig. 2A and 2D, when the protruding portion 214 of the link 212 is no longer applied with pressure (e.g., no pushing pressure), the forcible opening blocking member 230 may be located at a position blocking forcible opening of the sliding door 200, thereby preventing the sliding door 200 from being forcibly opened.

Fig. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an operation in which the forcible opening blocking member 230 blocks the forcible opening of the sliding door 200 according to the movement of the link 212 in the electronic device 101 according to a specific embodiment.

Fig. 3A is an exploded perspective view 301 illustrating a structure of the forced-open stopper 230 pushed according to the movement of the link 212 in the electronic device 101 according to the specific embodiment.

Referring to fig. 3A, the link 212 connected to the driving actuator 210 may be linearly moved according to the driving operation of the driving actuator 210. For example, the link 212 may include a projection 214 and a ring portion 216, the projection 214 may push the forced opening block 230, and the ring portion 216 is formed to engage with the sliding door 200.

For example, when the link 212 is linearly moved in a first direction (e.g., a direction in which the link 212 is away from the opening 201) or in a second direction opposite to the first direction by driving the actuator 210, the protruding portion 214 may push the forced-opening stopper 230 in a direction (e.g., indicated by (r) in fig. 3A) perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction. For example, the forced opening check 230 may be disposed adjacent to the protruding portion 214 of the link 212, and may be at least partially moved in the direction (r) as shown in fig. 3A by the pushing pressure of the protruding portion 214.

For example, when the pushing pressure on the protruding portion 214 is released, the forcible opening stopper 230 may return toward the direction opposite to the direction (r).

For example, the forced opening barrier 230 may include a resilient member 232. For example, as shown in fig. 3A, the electronic device 101 may have a plate 240 therein for mounting the forced-open blocker 230 and the elastic member 232. Based on the respective structures of the plate 240, the forcible opening stopper 230, and the elastic member 232, the forcible opening stopper 230 may return to the original position (i.e., the position before the pushing pressure is applied) when the pushing pressure to the protruding portion 214 is released.

Fig. 3B is a perspective view illustrating a state 302 in which the opening of the sliding door 200 is blocked by the forced-opening blocking member 230 in the electronic device 101 according to the specific embodiment.

Referring to fig. 3B, in a state of blocking the forced opening of the sliding door 200, that is, in a state where the pushing pressure of the protrusion portion 214 is not applied to the forced opening block 230, the sliding door 200 is engaged with the forced opening block 230 so as not to move.

Fig. 3C is a perspective view illustrating a state 303 in which the forcible opening blocking operation of the forcible opening blocking member 230 is released in the electronic apparatus 101 according to the specific embodiment.

Referring to fig. 3C, when the forced-opening stopper 230 is pushed by the protruding portion 214 of the link 212 and thus moves in the direction (r) shown in fig. 3A, the sliding door 200 is not engaged with the forced-opening stopper 230, but is freely movable in the first direction or the second direction perpendicular to the direction (r), contrary to the case of fig. 3B. Accordingly, when the forcible opening blocking operation of the forcible opening blocking member 230 is released as shown in fig. 3C, the sliding door 200 may be opened or closed according to the movement of the link 212.

Fig. 4A is an exploded perspective view illustrating an arrangement 401 of the sliding door 200 and a guide rail 250 for guiding movement of the sliding door according to a specific embodiment. Fig. 4B is a plan view illustrating the structure of a guide rail 250 according to a specific embodiment. Fig. 4C is a diagram illustrating a coupling structure 403 of the sliding door 200, the guide rail 250, the forced-opening block 230, and the link 212 according to a specific embodiment.

Referring to fig. 4A, 4B and 4C, when the link 212 is linearly moved, the sliding door 200 may be moved in the guide rail 250 along a path formed by at least one

groove

254 and 256 to be opened or closed.

For example, the guide rail 250 may be disposed under the sliding door 200. The sliding door 200 may include

protrusions

204 and 206 corresponding to the

grooves

254 and 256 of the guide rail 250, respectively. The

projections

204 and 206 are slidable along the

grooves

254 and 256 of the guide rail 250.

The sliding door 200 may be physically connected to the link 212. For example, one end of the sliding door 200 may include a protrusion 220 for coupling with the link 212. The protruding portion 220 of the sliding door 200 may be disposed to engage with the ring portion of the link 212.

Although fig. 4A shows the guide rail 250 disposed under the sliding door 200, this is provided as an example only. Alternatively, the guide rail 250 may be disposed above the sliding door 200, or the guide rails 250 may be disposed above and below the sliding door 200, respectively.

When the sliding door 200 is opened or closed according to the driving operation of the driving actuator, the sliding door 200 may move at least partially in the moving direction of the link, and move at least partially in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the link. For example, to guide the sliding door 200 to move at least partially in an inward direction of the electronic device 101 when the sliding door 200 is opened, the guide rail 250 may include

grooves

254 and 256, as shown in fig. 4A and 4B.

Because the sliding door 200 is opened while being moved at least partially inward into the electronic device 101 and laterally slid in the electronic device 101, the electronic device 101 can be formed thinner as a whole.

Referring to fig. 4C, the ring portion of the link 212 (as shown in fig. 4C) is provided as an example, and it should be understood that any other variation of the ring portion may be used if the ring portion may be engaged with the coupling portion 202 of the sliding door 200.

According to a particular embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a forced opening blocking member 230 that blocks the opening of the sliding door 200 when the opening 201 is closed by the sliding door 200, and moves to release the blocking according to the movement of the link 212.

According to a particular embodiment, the electronic device 101 may operate a drive actuator to open the sliding door 200 surrounding the opening 201. The link 212 may be linearly moved according to a driving operation of the driving actuator, thereby opening the sliding door 200 via engagement with the link 212.

For example, when the driving actuator is operated to open the sliding door 200, the protruding portion 214 of the link 212 may push the forcible opening stopper 230 according to the first movement of the link 212 generated by the driving operation of the driving actuator. Thus, the blocking provided by the forced opening block 230 is released.

In addition, the sliding door 200 is slidable along the groove provided in the guide rail 250 based on the first movement and the subsequent second movement of the link 212 generated by the driving operation of the driving actuator.

According to a particular embodiment, the electronic device 101 may automatically close the sliding door 200 to close the opening 201 when it is determined that a predetermined condition for closing the opening 201 is satisfied. A number of examples of predetermined conditions are provided below.

For example, example conditions may include detecting that a predetermined time has elapsed after opening the sliding door 200, after which the electronic device 101 may close the sliding door 200.

Another example condition may include receiving an external input signal satisfying a predetermined verification condition through the input module or the communication module, after which the electronic device 101 may close the sliding door 200.

Another example condition includes determining to stop power supply to a system of the electronic device 101 based on the power control signal, after which the electronic device 101 may close the sliding door 200.

In this way, if it is determined that the condition for closing the opening 201 is satisfied, the electronic device 101 may operate the driving actuator to move the link 212 in a second direction opposite to the first direction in which the link 212 is moved for opening the opening 201.

The sliding door 200 may be moved to a position to close the opening 201 according to the movement of the link 212 in the second direction.

According to a specific embodiment, the forcible opening stopper 230 may be transferred to the blocking position by the movement of the link 212 in the second direction and the elastic force of the elastic member of the forcible opening stopper 230. Therefore, when the opening 201 of the electronic device 101 is closed, the sliding door 200 may not be allowed to be opened at will, and is allowed to be opened by the driving operation of the driving actuator.

According to a particular embodiment, the electronic device 101 may open or close the sliding door 200 to open or close the opening 201 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, based on the linear movement of the link 212 according to the driving operation of the driving actuator, the electronic device 101 can easily and automatically open the opening 201 without any additional operation by releasing the forcible opening blocking of the forcible opening blocking member 230 and moving the sliding door 200. In addition, the electronic device 101 can close the opening 201 by moving the sliding door 200 based on the linear movement of the link 212 according to the driving operation of the driving actuator, and also enables the forcible opening blocking member 230 to effectively block the forcible opening of the sliding door 200. This is advantageous for enhancing the security of the assembly insertable into the opening 201.

According to a particular embodiment, an electronic device may include: driving an actuator; a sliding door opening or closing an opening of the electronic device; a link connecting the sliding door and the driving actuator and linearly moving according to a driving operation of the driving actuator to move the sliding door; a forced opening blocking member that blocks forced opening of the sliding door when the opening is closed, and moves based on linear movement of the link to release blocking of the forced opening; and a processor configured to recognize whether the opening is opened or closed by the sliding door based on an external input signal, and operate the driving actuator to open or close the opening based on a result of the recognition.

In the electronic device, when the driving actuator is operated to open the opening, the forced opening blocking member may release the blocking of the forced opening based on a first movement of the link generated by the driving operation of the driving actuator, and the slide door may move to open the opening based on the first movement and a subsequent second movement of the link generated by the driving operation of the driving actuator.

In the electronic device, the link may include a protruding portion formed on one surface thereof, and the forcible opening stopper may be provided to release the stopper of the forcible opening when the protruding portion pushes the forcible opening stopper by the first movement of the link.

In the electronic device, the forced opening block may include an elastic member that provides an elastic force to the forced opening block to return to a position blocking the forced opening when the pushing pressure of the protruding portion is released.

In the electronic device, the sliding door may be provided to engage with a ring-shaped portion formed at one end of the link, and open or close the opening according to the linear movement of the link.

In the electronic device, the opening of the electronic device may allow insertion of an external memory card.

In the electronic device, the processor may be further configured to receive a user input for opening or closing the sliding door as an external input signal through an input module or a communication module to recognize whether the received user input satisfies a predetermined authentication condition, and operate the driving actuator in response to the user input when the user input satisfies the authentication condition.

In the electronic device, the user input may include biometric information of the user.

In the electronic device, the external input signal may include a power supply control signal for the electronic device.

In the electronic device, the link may be linearly movable in a direction parallel to one surface of a housing of the electronic device in which the opening is formed, according to the driving operation of the driving actuator.

In the electronic device, the slide door may open or close the opening by moving at least partially in a direction perpendicular to the linear movement direction of the link in accordance with the driving operation of the driving actuator.

The electronic device may further comprise a guide rail for guiding the movement of the sliding door such that, in order to open the opening, the sliding door moves along the guide rail at least partially in an inward direction of the electronic device.

According to a particular embodiment, a method for opening or closing an opening of an electronic device through a sliding door, a link, and a driving actuator provided in the electronic device may include: receiving an external input signal; determining whether to open or close the opening based on the external input signal; and when it is determined that the external input signal satisfies a condition for opening the opening, operating the driving actuator to generate a linear movement of the link connected to the driving actuator in a first direction, so that a forcible opening blocking member, which is provided to block forcible opening of the sliding door, moves according to the linear movement of the link in the first direction to release the blocking of the forcible opening, and so that the sliding door connected to the link moves according to the linear movement of the link in the first direction to open the opening.

The method may further comprise: when it is determined that the external input signal satisfies a condition for closing the opening, operating the driving actuator to generate a linear movement of the link in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the sliding door connected to the link moves to close the opening according to the linear movement of the link in the second direction, and so that the forced-opening blocking member moves to block the forced opening of the sliding door according to the linear movement of the link in the second direction.

In the method, the forced opening blocking member may be provided in the electronic device to not allow forced opening of the sliding door when the opening is closed.

In the method, the link may include a protrusion portion formed on one surface thereof, and the forcible opening stopper releases the blocking of the forcible opening when the protrusion portion pushes the forcible opening stopper.

In the method, the first direction and the second direction may be parallel to one surface of a case of the electronic device in which the opening is formed, and the sliding door may open or close the opening by being moved at least partially in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

In the method, determining whether to open or close the opening based on the external input signal may include: receiving a user input as the external input signal through an input module or a communication module, and determining whether the received user input satisfies a predetermined authentication condition.

In the method, the user input may include biometric information of the user.

The method may further comprise: operating the driving actuator to generate a linear movement of the link in a second direction opposite to the first direction to close the opening when a predetermined time elapses after the opening, when a power control signal for the electronic device is received, or when a user input for closing the sliding door is received.

The electronic device according to a particular embodiment may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may comprise, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

It should be understood that the specific embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalents, or alternatives to the respective embodiments. For the description of the figures, like reference numerals may be used to refer to like or related elements. It will be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "a or B," "at least one of a and B," "at least one of a or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the respective one of the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1 st" and "2 nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish a respective component from another component simply, and do not limit the components in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "coupled to", "connected to" or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to, wirelessly connected to or connected via a third element.

As used herein, the term "module" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "portion," or "circuitry"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions or a minimal unit or portion of the single integrated component. For example, according to an embodiment, the modules may be implemented in the form of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).

Particular embodiments set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that are readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, under control of a processor, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) may invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to be operable to perform at least one function in accordance with the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code capable of being executed by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but the term does not distinguish between data being semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to embodiments, methods according to particular embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be used as a product for conducting a transaction between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium, such as a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store, such as a Play store, or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between two user devices, such as smart phones. At least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated if it is published online, or at least part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored in a machine readable storage medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

Each of the above-described components (e.g., modules or programs) may comprise a single entity or multiple entities, depending on the particular embodiment. According to particular embodiments, one or more of the above components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding one of the plurality of components performed the one or more functions prior to integration, according to particular embodiments. Operations performed by a module, program, or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic manner, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added, depending on the particular embodiment.

While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the subject matter defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising:

a housing defining an opening;

driving an actuator;

a sliding door movable to cover or expose the opening;

a link connecting the sliding door and the driving actuator, the link being linearly movable to move the sliding door according to a driving operation of the driving actuator;

a forced opening blocking member movable to limit exposure of the opening of the sliding door when the opening is closed, and to release blocking of opening of the sliding door based on linear movement of the link; and

a processor configured to:

receiving an external input signal and identifying whether to expose or cover the opening based on the external input signal, and

operating the driving actuator to expose or cover the opening according to the result of the recognition.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the forced-opening block releases the restriction of the opening being exposed based on a first movement of the link generated by the driving operation of the driving actuator when the driving actuator is operating to expose the opening,

wherein the sliding door moves to expose the opening based on the first movement and subsequent second movement of the link generated by the driving operation of the driving actuator.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the link includes a protruding portion formed on one surface thereof, and

wherein the positive opening block is configured to release the restriction of the opening being exposed when the protruding portion pushes against the positive opening block in response to the first movement of the link.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the positive opening block comprises a resilient member that provides a resilient force that returns the positive opening block to a first position blocking the opening when the pushing pressure applied to the protruding portion is released.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the slide door is engaged with a ring-shaped portion formed at one end of the link, and

wherein the opening is covered and/or exposed according to the linear movement of the link.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the opening defined in the housing of the electronic device is formed for insertion of an external memory card.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising an input module and a communication module, wherein the processor is further configured to:

receiving a user input requesting an override or the sliding door as the external input signal through the input module or the communication module, and

identifying whether the received user input satisfies a predetermined authentication condition,

wherein the drive actuator is operated when the user input satisfies the predetermined verification condition.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the user input comprises biometric information.

9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the external input signal comprises a power control signal for the electronic device.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the link is linearly moved in a direction parallel to one surface of a housing of the electronic device in which the opening is formed, in accordance with the driving operation of the driving actuator.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the sliding door exposes or covers the opening by moving at least partially in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the linear movement of the link in accordance with the driving operation of the driving actuator.

12. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising:

a guide rail for guiding the linear movement of the sliding door,

wherein the sliding door moves along the guide rail at least partially toward an inward direction of the electronic device.

13. A method in an electronic device, the method comprising: receiving, by an input device and/or a communication device, an external input signal;

determining, by a processor, whether to expose or cover an opening defined in a housing of the electronic device based on the external input signal; and

operating a drive actuator to produce linear movement of a link in a first direction when the external input signal satisfies a condition for exposing the opening,

wherein the linear movement of the link in the first direction causes the forced-open blocker to release the restriction of exposing the opening, and

wherein a sliding door connected to the link moves to expose the opening according to the linear movement of the link in the first direction.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

operating the drive actuator to produce a second linear movement of the link in a second direction opposite the first direction when it is determined that the external input signal satisfies a condition for closing the opening,

wherein the sliding door connected to the link moves to cover the opening according to the second linear movement of the link in the second direction, and

wherein the forced opening blocking member moves to restrict the opening from being exposed by the sliding door according to the movement of the second linear movement of the link in the second direction.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the forced-open blocker is provided in the electronic device and restricts movement of the sliding door when the opening is covered by the sliding door.